Steam Ferry Toroa

STEAM FERRY TOROA AT THE AUCKLAND WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL
https://www.aucklandwoodenboatfestival.co.nz/
13th to 15th March 2026 at the Viaduct Events Centre
The Toroa Preservation Society is taking part in this most excellent celebration of Aotearoa New Zealand’s age-old wooden boat building traditions and of wooden boats themselves.
Our centre-piece is one of the double-ended ferry’s two wheelhouses — magnificently restored and fitted out.
Come and take the wheel and imagine yourself a ferry skipper, threading your way across the busy harbour to deliver your 1221 passengers to the City or back to the North Shore.
Our second focus is a very large 8-foot (2.4 m) model of the Toroa built by a shipwright who worked on maintaining the ferries during his career.
And there’ll be much more to our presentation —artefacts, pictures and video — and knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about Auckland’s rich steam ferry history and the restoration of the Toroa.
On Sunday 15th, all are welcome to a presentation at the Maritime Museum
The Resurrection of Auckland’s Last steam Ferry Toroa
11 am, Sunday 15th March
A presentation by Peter McCurdy on the largest wooden boat restoration project in Aotearoa New Zealand, with background on the Auckland steam ferries and on preserving and presenting maritime heritage, especially historic vessels.
https://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz/events/auckland-wooden-boat-festival-or-seminar-programme AWBF Seminars at the NZ Maritime Museum, Hobson Wharf

Why do people give to the Toroa restoration project?
Well, the truth is — there isn’t just one answer.
Some people give their hands.
They turn up week after week to sand, repair, paint, drill, measure, cut, fit, and restore.
Some give their minds.
They write plans, refine our constitution, manage compliance, solve technical problems, develop ideas, run social media, and quietly think through “what needs to happen next.”
Some give tools, paint or equipment — sometimes treasures passed down from a parent’s workshop. Recently we were touched to receive significant pieces of electrical woodworking machinery. The family later visited to see the progress — and seeing their pride reminded us that Toroa carries people’s stories, not just timber. We see and hear these stories all the time.
Some give financially.
Sometimes it’s $20. Sometimes it’s much more. Often it’s set up as regular donations. Sometimes it’s one off, maybe in response to specific needs or plans. Recently, when we needed a new magnetic drill for steel drilling, two of our active volunteers immediately offered $500 each to help this purchase. This is already working hard for Toroa’s future. Another special tool purchase was our wide planer which will be needed for many long lengths of sheer strake planing. One of our regular donors quickly jumped in with an extra $1,000 to bring this important purchase forward.
And some give something just as important:
their love, encouragement, and continuing attention.
It all counts.
Our active volunteers don’t just work on the boat each week. They spend hours planning upcoming work, sourcing materials, organising equipment, and coordinating behind the scenes. Many quietly cover various expenses themselves, without asking to be reimbursed. They simply want to see Toroa back where she belongs — on the water.
For many supporters, the motivation is memory.
They remember travelling on Toroa, or other Auckland ferries; as children on their way to school, or as adults travelling to and from work. They fondly remember family outings, the sound of the engine, and the warmth of the engine room on a winter’s day, the feeling of crossing the harbour. They want future generations to experience that same magic.
Others feel a connection through family history, maybe crew members, passengers or company connections.
Many hundreds stay involved through our newsletter. Membership becomes a two-way relationship — sharing the journey as much as supporting it.
We’re often approached by people who simply want to visit and see her, touch and feel Toroa. While it might pause our work for a moment, we’re always happy to share our “happy place.” Once people step aboard and see what has already been achieved, they understand. They feel it. They get it, and they leave with admiration — and often a new desire to stay in touch and connected to the progress. Those keen visitors, impressed with what has been achieved so far, lift our motivation and we work on with renewed enthusiasm.
Toroa is more than a restoration project.
She is memory. Craftsmanship. Community. Heritage. Hope and Maritime history. Toroa is truly unique, possibly the last remaining double ended steam ferry in the world?
If you’ve ever thought about helping — whether with time, skills, tools, ideas, or a donation — we would love to hear from you.
Every contribution, large or small, moves her one step closer to the water.
And one day, when she steams again across the harbour, we’ll all know we were part of that moment.